Welcome to Sitka, the heart of the Tongass National Rainforest! Abundant with all kinds of wildlife, take to the Sika Sound on this finely curated tour by boat. Your US Coast Guard licensed Captain will take you aboard their 24' Hewescraft aluminum vessel for a 2-hour long adventure full of the animals Sitka has to offer.
In these nutrient rich North Pacific waters, you can expect to see humpback whales, sea lions, otters, seals, and an array of birds. If you're very lucky you may even see an orca or two! Your guide will take you through coves, islands, and the open ocean in search of a variety of wildlife.
This tour meets from Crescent Harbor in Downtown Alaska, which is directly adjacent to Harrigan Centennial Hall-- the main depot for cruise line passengers. This tour operator is a proud Whale SENSE participant.
Please Note: Maximum of 5 passengers. Whale and wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Guests weighing over 240lbs must purchase 2 seats due to limited boat capacity. This tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible. Duration: 2 hours (Roundtrip from Harrigan Centennial Hall.)
Inclusions:
- Roundtrip transportation from Crescent Harbor
- Coast Guard Licensed Captain
- Coast Guard Licensed Vessel
- Whale SENSE Participating company
Requirements:
- Maximum of 5 passengers
- Guests weighing over 240lbs must purchase 2 seats
Duration: 2 hours. Tour times below are approximate:
- 2 hours duration on the coastal waters of Sitka, Alaska
Meeting Instructions:
- This tour meets from Crescent Harbor in Downtown Sitka, which is directly adjacent to Harrigan Centennial Hall-- the main depot for cruise line passengers.
ADA Accessibility of Tour:
- This tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible. Due to vessel space, we cannot accommodate regular or collapsible wheelchairs, walkers, or motorized scooters.
How many passengers does the boat hold?
This boat can hold up to 5 passengers.
Is there an inside seating area on the boat, is it heated?
Yes, our 24' Hewescraft Aluminum boat has an enclosed heated cabin and a forward & aft viewing deck.
Are there restrooms on the boat?
No, the boat does not have restrooms.
How close will we get to the whales?
Humpback whales and other sea animals are protected species and a safe distance of at least 100 yards must be maintained at all times according to NOAA regulations. We are a proud supporter and participant of Whale SENSE.
Are whale sightings guaranteed?
Although wildlife is abundant in SE Alaska, whale and wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
Are there any age restrictions for children?
Children must be 3 or older to join this tour.
Are there any restrictions for adults?
Guests over 240 pounds must purchase two tickets due to limited boat capacity. This tour is not reccommended for pregnant guests.
Can I bring a backpack?
Backpacks, small bags, and purses are allowed on this tour.
Not seeing answers to your questions?
Check out other frequently asked questions here!
Customer Reviews
Aug 2023 - Lindsey J.
Loved the small group. We had rough waters and a ton of fog, but the captain made the best of it! He clearly explained what to expect on the water due to the weather and had each traveler confirm that they still wanted to participate. We saw sea otters, spawning salmon, humpback whales, and other birds/fish. He also took us to look for brown bears on the shoreline. Excellent experience!
Aug 2023 - Tara R.
Capt Tad Lara led us on an amazing intimate whale-watching journey. He was knowledgeable and patient and gave us a great tour!
Aug 2023 - Ying C.
Great experience! Didn't get to see the whales as close as I had thought we would, but the boat is super clean and nice, and the guide is friendly and knowledgeable.
Jul 2023 - LeAnna O.
Very nice and clean boat and great captian.
Jul 2023 - Gaia D.
Tad was great. He made our excursion longer to make sure we will see whales. Great excursion!
Jun 2023 - Aaron T.
Awesome! Got to see a couple of whales, and other great wildlife. Team was very professional and we had the boat all to ourselves.
Aug 2022 - Leslie L.
Sitka is breathtakingly beautiful and to be able to be out on the water in a smaller craft- not a huge boat- was so enjoyable. Up close encounters with humpbacks was unforgettable !
Jul 2022 - Lindsey J.
This was an amazing excursion. I loved the small size of the boat and the captain worked hard to make sure we saw plenty of wildlife. I would do this excursion again and again! It was perfect for my family ranging from age 6-63!
May 2022 - Jochen K.
We were alone on the tour with the skipper! In addition to orcas and humpback whales, we also spotted otters, sea lions and eagles. A great day in a great place! Everything worked perfectly - again and again!
